Method and System for Providing Dynamic and Real-Time Air Travel Information

ABSTRACT

Providing passengers and other interested parties with dynamic and real-time air travel information. This dynamic and real-time air travel information is shown in various screens on a computer monitor, and includes flight information, passenger information, other general air information, and advertising. The information is presented to passengers in a manner which reduces passenger wait time and allows gate agents to focus on other responsibilities. Information on seat standby status, upgrade standby status, and cleared standby status is provided on the computer monitor.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/516,461 filed Sep. 6, 2006 and titled“Method and System for Providing Dynamic and Real-Time Air TravelInformation”, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/708,890 filed Nov. 8, 2000 and titled “Method and System forProviding Dynamic and Real-Time Air Travel Information”. The subjectmatter of the above-identified priority applications is hereby fullyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the presentation of air travelinformation. More specifically, the invention relates to providingpassengers and other interested parties with dynamic and real-time airtravel information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As computer programs have advanced in the processing of air travelinformation, information has been provided to passengers, airport andairline personnel, and airport visitors, through computer monitors. Theair travel information typically includes general air travelinformation, passenger information, flight information, and advertisinginformation. This air travel information has usually been displayed onnumerous computer monitors throughout airports, particularly in theboarding areas. As this information can be provided to passengers atboarding areas, passengers no longer need to wait in line to have theirair travel questions answered by a gate agent. The display of air travelinformation has also saved airline agents time and allowed the agents tofocus on other activities in place of answering passenger questions.

The scope of air travel information provided to passengers in the priorart is limited to static information. The air travel information has notbeen provided in a dynamic and real-time fashion. Furthermore,conventional systems have not allowed the passengers to bypass agents inobtaining updated boarding documents or to receive standby statusinformation. Passengers have been required to wait in sometimes lengthylines to ask a gate agent for real-time air travel information, standbyinformation, and new boarding documents.

In view of the foregoing, there is a current need in the art to automatethe delivery of dynamic and real-time air travel information topassengers in a manner which reduces passenger wait time and whichallows gate agents to focus on other responsibilities. In addition,there is a current need to prepare and present to the gate agent arepresentation of what is currently being displayed on the passengerinformation display via the agent's workstation. For example, there is aneed to display dynamic and real-time information on seat standbystatus, upgrade standby status, and cleared standby status.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above problems by providing dynamic andreal-time air travel information. This dynamic and real-time air travelinformation can include general air travel information, passengerinformation, flight information, and advertising information. Providingdynamic and real-time information is a radical change to the wayairlines board flights and interact with their passengers.

The exemplary system can comprise a user reservation system, a PassengerInformation Delivery System (“PIDS”), a Flight Progress Event System(“FPES”), a gate workstation (“workstation”), a Gate Information DisplaySystem (“GIDS”), and a computer network. The reservation systemcomprises a database of reservation records. The PIDS comprises adistributed data system for passenger information, where the FPEScomprises a distributed data system for flight information. Theworkstation can be used by the gate agents to access and control theinformation shown to passengers. The GIDS comprises a passengerinformation display that presents responses to frequently askedquestions and general air travel information for passengers. In thismanner, gate agents are freed from performing this duty, therebyallowing them to focus on other responsibilities. The GIDS can be aseries of screens that are shown on a computer monitor. The screens cancomprise static information as well as dynamic and real-timeinformation, including information on flights, passengers, airports, andadvertising. The computer network is connected to each of thesecomponents and facilitates the exchange of information between thecomponents.

Changes to flight or passenger information can be stored in thereservation system. The reservation system can forward passengerinformation to the PIDS and flight information to the FPES through thecomputer network. The PIDS and the FPES can forward the passengerinformation and flight information to the workstation through thecomputer network. The Internet can forward the general air travelinformation from the world wide web to the workstation. The workstationcan forward the general air travel information, the passengerinformation, the flight information, and the advertising information tothe GIDS through the computer network. The workstation and the GIDS candisplay dynamic and real-time general air travel information, passengerinformation, flight information, and advertising information. Theworkstation can display this information to the agents while and theGIDS can display this information to passengers and other interestedparties.

The aforementioned advantages of the invention, as well as additionaladvantages thereof, are more fully described by the detailed descriptionof exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplaryembodiment which can report actions between a reservation system, aPIDS, a FPES, a workstation, a GIDS, and a computer network.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplaryembodiment which can report actions between a GIDS master database, aGIDS manager, and a GIDS display.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of activating a screenfile for GIDS in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an overview of an exemplary methodfor providing updated air travel information.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for showing activatedidle mode screens in a prioritized order.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for showing activateddeparture mode screens in a prioritized order.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for showing activatedboarding mode screens in a prioritized order.

FIG. 8 is a screen display illustrating an exemplary embodiment of astandby list screen for presentation by GIDS.

FIG. 9 is a screen displays illustrating an exemplary embodiment of anupgrade list screen for presentation by GIDS.

FIG. 10 is a screen display illustrating an exemplary embodiment of acleared standby list screen for presentation by GIDS.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a method and system for providing dynamicand real-time air travel information. This air travel informationtypically comprises flight information, passenger information, and othergeneral information.

Flight information is displayed in real-time with minimal interactionfrom the gate agent. Flight events, such as delays, cancellations andgate changes, are sent directly to the screens through a sophisticateddata delivery system that connects them to an airline's operationscomputers. Answers to passengers' most frequently-asked questions appearon screens, allowing passengers to avoid waiting in line to talk to agate agent. The present invention also allows gate agents to efficientlyuse their time in the boarding process and assist passengers with theirindividual needs.

The passenger information typically comprises information on when it isa passenger's turn to board, when the passenger has obtained a seatassignment, and when the passenger has been cleared to board. Ratherthan having a computer monitor tell the agent this information, and thenhaving the agent tell the passenger, the passenger information displaywill complete these tasks in one step. The airline has eliminated theentire distribution step of talking to the agent and then having theagent interface with the passenger. Now the presentation systemcommunicates certain passenger related information directly to thepassenger. This releases the burden on the agent, and gives thepassenger a direct interface with the system.

General information can include pre-programmed messages. The system canquickly post these messages without distracting the agents frompassenger service duties. Some pre-programmed messages include: airportfacility information, airline policies, and weather conditions.

For an exemplary embodiment, within a predetermined amount of time ofthe departure of a flight from a gate, the system will display idle modescreens on a passenger information display. Idle mode screens showgeneral air travel information and advertising information. The systemdisplays idle mode screens until it recognizes a flight departure fromits gate within 75 minutes, at which point it cycles to departure mode.From this point until departure time, flight-specific information willconstantly be displayed in a left-hand blue window on the computermonitor. The left-hand window of the computer monitor will run throughthe departure mode screens, which are screens with general air travelinformation, flight information, and advertising information. Theinformation displayed on both windows of the computer monitor is dynamicand real-time.

Once the plane is ready for boarding, the system will cycle fromdeparture mode to boarding mode. The left-hand window of the computermonitor will run through the boarding mode screens, which are screenswith general air travel information, flight information, passengerinformation, and advertising information. An important component is thatthe system displays standby information to passengers that currently isshown only to agents. The passengers are able to see that they have beencleared to board, and what their seat assignment is. In addition, thepassengers can board immediately, and don't have to see the agent to geta new boarding card. If the passenger is standing by for an upgrade, thepassenger can board with the original coach boarding pass. Theworkstation scans the ID from the boarding pass, recognizes that thepassenger has a new seat, and prints a seating confirmation receiptduring boarding. If the passenger is standing by for a seat, theworkstation issues a bar-coded confirmation card when the passenger isadded to the standby list. The workstation scans this card, identifiesthe passenger, and prints a seating confirmation receipt at the boardingdoor. The receipt usually takes about a second to print, so the boardingprocess can continue at normal speed, while completely eliminating theboarding card distribution step.

FIGS. 1-2 are block diagrams illustrating components of an exemplaryembodiment of the present system. FIGS. 3-7 are flow diagramsillustrating exemplary methods for providing updated passengerinformation. FIGS. 8-10 are screen displays illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the current invention.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention maybe implemented in a stand-alone or in a distributed computingenvironment. In a distributed computing environment, program modules maybe physically located in different local and remote memory storagedevices. Execution of the program modules may occur locally in astand-alone manner or remotely in a client/server manner. Examples ofsuch distributed computing environments include local area networks ofan office, enterprise-wide computer networks, and the global Internet.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likeelements throughout the several figures, aspects of the presentinvention and an exemplary operating environment will be described.

System Architecture

Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionis described. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating thecomponents of an exemplary presentation system. This exemplary system100 comprises a reservation system 105, a Passenger Information DeliverySystem (“PIDS”) 110, a Flight Progress Event System (“FPES”) 115, a gateworkstation (“workstation”) 120, a Gate Information Display System(“GIDS”) 125, and a computer network 121.

The reservation system 105 is the legacy database of record. Thisreservation system 105 holds all information about passengers andflights that will be maintained, updated, and displayed to thepassengers. This system operates by query and response, and displaysinformation for one passenger or one flight at a time. This includesinformation input by the gate agent, the ticket agent, kiosks, etc.

The PIDS 110 is a distributed data system for passenger information,consisting of an Oracle database and dynamic subscription service. ThePIDS 110 provides real-time passenger information to the workstation120.

The FPES 115 is Delta's distributed data system for flight information.The FPES 115 provides database and subscription data for flights in thesame way the PIDS 110 provides these services for passenger data.

The gate workstation 120 is a workstation used by the gate agents. Theworkstation 120 is usually a personal computer which displays currentinformation for all passengers and flights. In an exemplary embodiment,there are multiple workstations 120. The workstations 120 use theapplication Cornerstone.

The workstation 120 has a gate reader 130, which is a peripheral deviceattached to the workstation 120. The gate reader 130 consists of barcode and magnetic scanning devices and a thermal receipt printer. Whenthe gate reader 130 uses the bar code and scanning devices to scanboarding information, it forwards the data to the workstation 120. Theworkstation 120 evaluates the data. The gate reader's receipt printer isactivated by the workstation 120. This gives airlines the ability toproduce a receipt with flight and seating formation as the passengerboards. This replaces the previous procedure, which required a separateboarding card distribution step, which is completed by the gate agentprior to actual boarding.

The GIDS 125 is a passenger information display that presents responsesto frequently asked questions and general flight information forpassengers in a manner which frees gate agents from this duty and allowsthem to focus on other responsibilities. The GIDS 125 displays dynamicand real-time air travel information on a series of screens shown on acomputer monitor. The air travel information can comprise general airtravel information, passenger information, flight information, andadvertising information.

Passenger information comprises certain seat status information,including upgrade, standby, and boarding clearance information. Fornormal and upgrade standby passenger information displays, the GIDS 125shows the number of seats available and passengers standing by for thoseseats. For boarding clearing displays, the GIDS 125 shows passengers whohave received seat assignments and are eligible to board.

Flight information comprises flight events, such as delays,cancellations and gate changes. Flight information is sent directly tothe screens through a sophisticated data delivery system that connectsthem to the reservation system 105. Agents may choose to displaysituational information by selecting from a list of pre-programmedmessages or other display features, including: advisories that no seatchanges or upgrades are available, seat charts, passenger boardingsequences, meal service information, and flight duration information.The GIDS 125 subscribes to event information from the reservation system105.

The GIDS 125 allows the gate agent to see what is currently beingdisplayed on the GIDS 125, to remove information from public display,and to manage the presentation of boarding information to the passengervia the agent's workstation 120. The GIDS 125 supports multiplelanguages and provides configurable displays that can readily adapt toairport and facility restrictions and preferences.

The computer network 121 is a widely used local area networkcommunications system. The computer network 121 allows the reservationsystem 105, the PIDS 110, the FPES 115, the workstation 120, and theGIDS 125 to communicate with each other.

All changes to flight or passenger information are stored in thereservation system 105. The reservation system 105 forwards passengerinformation to the PIDS 110 and flight information to the FPES 115through the computer network 121. The PIDS 110 and the FPES 115 forwardthis passenger information and flight information to the workstation 120through the computer network 121. The Internet can obtain general airtravel information from the world wide web and pass it to theworkstation 120. The workstation 120 forwards the general air travelinformation, the passenger information, the flight information, and theadvertising information to the GIDS 125 through the computer network121. The workstation 120 and the GIDS 125 display the general air travelinformation, the passenger information, the flight information, and theadvertising information. The workstation 120 displays this informationto the agents, and the GIDS 125 displays this information to thepassengers.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of theGIDS 125 internal components. The GIDS 125 comprises a GIDS masterdatabase 205, a GIDS manager 210 and a GIDS display 215. The GIDS masterdatabase 205 comprises an active loop database 225. Both the GIDS masterdatabase 205 and the active loop database 225 contain screen files 230.The screen files 230 hold information on what will be shown on aparticular screen, when the screen will be shown, and how long to showthe screen. The GIDS master database 205 holds the screen files 230 forall possible screens. The active loop database 225 holds the activatedscreen files 230. The GIDS manager 210 maintains a list of activatedscreens files and the content of those screens files. The GIDS manager210 moves the activated screen files 230 to the GIDS display. The GIDSmanager 210 contains an internal clock 230 that determines when and forhow long screens are shown. The GIDS display 215 shows the screens onthe computer monitor for the screen files 230 that the GIDS manager 210sends the GIDS display.

The Modes and Screen Priority

There are three modes of operation: idle mode, departure mode, andboarding mode. Each mode has certain activated screens that are shown inthat mode. Screens can be activated in three ways: pre-flagged asactivated, flagged as activated by the agent accessing GIDS, or flaggedas activated due to an event passed through the reservation system 105or the Internet. Screens are prioritized in the idle mode, the departuremode, and the boarding mode. As screens of a higher priority becomeactivated, the lower priority screens are dropped. However, a screenwill never be dropped while the passengers are looking at it.

Idle mode screens are screens that hold general air travel informationand advertising information and are shown 75 or more minutes before theflight departure. Departure mode screens are screens that hold generalair travel information, flight information, and advertising information.Departure mode screens are shown less than 75 minutes before the flightdeparture, but before boarding mode. Boarding mode screens includescreens with air travel information, passenger information, flightinformation, advertising information, and boarding information. Boardingmode screens are shown while a flight is boarding. Tables I, II, and IIIindicate the screens shown in idle mode, departure mode, and boardingmode.

TABLE I Idle Mode Screens Listed According to Priority 1. Cell PhonesScreen. This displays the airline policy regarding cell phones. BoardingSequence Screen. This describes standard boarding procedures. Dash AdScreen. This is an advertisement. Delta.com Screen. This is anadvertisement. SkyTeam Screen. This is an advertisement. Arriving FlightDelayed Screen. This gives the new estimated arrival time. The agent canadd the reason for delay. Arriving Flight Cancelled Screen. Thisindicates that the scheduled arriving flight has been cancelled.Arriving Flight Gate Change Screen. This displays the new gateassignment for arriving flight. Departing Flight Delayed Screen. Thisgives the new estimated departure time. The agent can add the reason fordelay. Departing Flight Cancelled Screen. This indicates that thescheduled departing flight has been cancelled. Departing Flight GateChange Screen. This displays new gate assignments for departing flight.2. Next Arrival at This Gate Screen. This screen gives the flightnumber, city, and estimated arrival time of the next arrival. 3. NextDeparture from This Gate Screen. This screen gives the flight number,city, and estimated departure time for the next departure. 4. EstimatedCheck-In Time Screen. This screen displays the time that agents will bechecking in passengers for the next flight. 5. Do You Have a BoardingCard Screen. This screen displays an illustration of a boarding card toreassure passenger that they are ready for boarding. 6. RestroomInformation Screen. This screen gives directions from the gate to thenearest restrooms. 7. Carry-On Baggage Guidelines Screen. This screendisplays the carry-on baggage policy. 8. Crown Room Club Screen. Thisscreen give the hours and directions to the Crown Room Club. 9.Reservations and Seat Assignment Screen. This screen describes policiesregarding the release of seats and reservations. 10. IntroductoryScreen. Each origin city has its own unique introductory screen.

TABLE II Departure Mode Screens Listed According to Priority 1. StandbyList Screen. This lists the names of the passengers, in prioritizedorder, that are on the standby list. Privacy is maintained as only thefirst three letters of the passenger's last name, and the first letterof the passenger's first name, are shown on the screen. Standby UpgradeList Screen. This screen lists the name of the passengers, inprioritized order, that are on the standby upgrade list. Privacy ismaintained as only the first three letters of the passenger's last name,and the first letter of the passenger's first name, are shown on thescreen. Standby Cleared List Screen. This screen lists the name of thepassengers, in prioritized order, that have cleared the standby list andhave a seat available on the flight. Privacy is maintained as only thefirst three letters of the passenger's last name, and the first letterof the passenger's first name, are shown on the screen. Cell PhonesScreen. This displays the airline policy regarding cell phones.Destination Weather Screen. This screen displays the current conditionsand four day forecast followed by a weather screen. Regional WeatherScreen. This screen displays the regional weather. Arriving FlightDelayed Screen. This gives the new estimated arrival time. The agent canadd the reason for delay. Arriving Flight Cancelled Screen. Thisindicates that the scheduled arriving flight has been cancelled.Arriving Flight Gate Change Screen. This displays the new gateassignments for arriving flights. Departing Flight Delayed Screen. Thisgives the new estimated departure time. The agent can add the reason fordelay. Departing Flight Cancelled Screen. This indicates that thescheduled departing flight has been cancelled. Departing Flight GateChange Screen. This displays new gate assignments for departing flights.Equipment Change Screen. This indicates that the original aircraft hasbeen substituted by another. Standby List Closed Screen. This indicatesthat agents are unable to add any more names to the standby list. FlightFull Screen. This indicates that the airline is unable to accommodatestandby passengers due to a full flight. Free-Form Messages Screen. Thisscreen allows the agent to input any message. No Seat Changes Screen.This indicates that passengers are not allowed to change their seats.Upgrade List Closed Screen. This indicates that agents are unable to addany more names to the upgrade standby list. Requesting VolunteersScreen. This asks for volunteers in the gate area in overbooked flightsituations. Confirmed Customers Please Wait Until Called Screen. Thisasks confirmed customers to wait until their name is called. StandbyCustomers Wait Until Called Screen. This asks standby customers to waituntil their name is called. 2. Estimated Boarding Times Screen. Thisdisplays the approximate time each section will board. 3. Flight TimeScreen. This gives the estimated flight duration and time of arrivalinto the destination city. 4. Airline Partners Screen. This welcomescodeshare passengers. 5. Meals Screen. This screen provides informationon the beverage service or type of meal served on the flight. Rememberyour SkyDeli Screen. This reminds passengers to pick up a snack whenboarding. 6. Seating and Statistics Screen. This screen displays theseat map for the aircraft type, with statistics such as cruising speed,etc. 7. Estimated Check-In Time Screen. This screen displays the timethat agents will be checking in passengers for the next flight. 8. DoYou Have a Boarding Card Screen. This screen displays an illustration ofa boarding card to reassure passenger that they are ready for boarding.9. Crown Room Club Screen. This screen give the hours and directions tothe Crown Room Club. 10. Restroom Information Screen. This screen givesdirections from the gate to the nearest restrooms. 11. UnticketedInfants Screen. This reminds passengers that unticketed infants must beaccounted for on their boarding card. 12. Carry-On Baggage GuidelinesScreen. This screen displays information on the carry-on baggage policy.13. Reservations and Seat Assignments Screen. This screen displaysupdated seat information to passengers.

TABLE III Boarding Mode Screens Listed in Priority 1. Standby ListScreen. This lists the names of the passengers, in prioritized order,that are on the standby list. Privacy is maintained as only the firstthree letters of the passenger's last name, and the first letter of thepassenger's first name, are shown on the screen. Standby Upgrade ListScreen. This screen lists the name of the passengers, in prioritizedorder, that are on the standby upgrade list. Privacy is maintained asonly the first three letters of the passenger's last name, and the firstletter of the passenger's first name, are shown on the screen. StandbyCleared List Screen. This screen lists the name of the passengers, inprioritized order, that have cleared the standby list and have a seatavailable on the flight. Privacy is maintained as only the first threeletters of the passenger's last name, and the first letter of thepassenger's first name, are shown on the screen. Arriving Flight DelayedScreen. This gives the new estimated arrival time. The agent can add thereason for delay. Arriving Flight Cancelled Screen. This indicates thatthe scheduled arriving flight has been cancelled. Arriving Flight GateChange Screen. This displays the new gate assignment for arrivingflights. Departing Flight Delayed Screen. This gives the new estimateddeparture time. The agent can add the reason for delay. Departing FlightCancelled Screen. This indicates that the scheduled departing flight hasbeen cancelled. Departing Flight Gate Change Screen. This displays newgate assignments for departing flights. Equipment Change Screen. Thisindicates that the original aircraft has been substituted by another.Standby List Closed Screen. This indicates that agents are unable to addany more names to the standby list. Flight Full Screen. This indicatesthat the airline is unable to accommodate standby passengers due to afull flight. Free-Form Messages Screen. This screen allows the agent toinput any message. No Seat Changes Screen. This indicates thatpassengers are not allowed to change their seats. Upgrade List ClosedScreen. This indicates that agents are unable to add any more names tothe upgrade standby list. Requesting Volunteers Screen. This asks forvolunteers in the gate area in overbooked flight situations. ConfirmedCustomers Please Wait Until Called Screen. This asks confirmed customersto wait until their name is called. Standby Customers Wait Until CalledScreen. This asks standby customers to wait until their name is called.2. Boarding Sequence Screen. This describes standard boardingprocedures. 3. Destination Weather Screen. This screen displays thecurrent conditions and four day forecast followed by a weather screen.4. Regional Weather Screen. This displays the regional weather. 5.Flight Time Screen. This gives the estimated flight duration and time ofarrival into the destination city. 6. Airline Partners Screen. Thiswelcomes codeshare passengers. 7. Meals Screen. This screen providesinformation on the beverage service or type of meal served on theflight. Remember your SkyDeli Screen. This reminds passengers to pick upa snack when boarding. 8. Seating and Statistics Screen. This screendisplays the seat map for the aircraft type, with statistics such ascruising speed, etc. 9. Estimated Check-In Time Screen. This screendisplays the time that agents will be checking in passengers for thenext flight. 10. Do You Have a Boarding Card Screen. This screendisplays an illustration of a boarding card to reassure passengers thatthey are ready for boarding. 11. Carry-On Baggage Guidelines Screen.This screen displays information on the carry- on baggage policy. 12.Unticketed Infants Screen. This reminds passengers that unticketedinfants must be accounted for on their boarding card.

The Flow Diagrams

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of activating a screenfile 230. As indicated above, screens can be activated in three ways:pre-flagged as activated, flagged as activated by the agent using theGIDS, or flagged as activated by an event passed through the reservationsystem 105 or the Internet. FIG. 3 illustrates the process of activatinga screen file 230 by automatically flagging a screen file 230 asactivated through the reservation system 105 or the Internet. In step305, the reservation system 105 receives passenger information or flightinformation. In step 306, the Internet receives general air travelinformation. In step 310, the reservation system 105 passes passengerinformation to the PIDS 110. In step 315, the reservation system 105passes the flight information to the FPES 115. In step 320, the PIDS 110passes the passenger information to the workstation 120. In step 325,the FPES 110 passes the flight information to the workstation 120. Instep 330, the Internet passes the general air travel information to theworkstation 120. In step 335, the workstation 120 passes the passengerinformation, the flight information, or the general air travelinformation to the GIDS manager 210. In step 340, the GIDS manager 210passes the passenger information, the flight information, or the generalair travel information to the screen file 230. When the screen file 230receives this information, the screen file 230 is flagged as active.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an overview of an exemplary methodfor providing dynamic and real-time air travel information. In step 405,the GIDS display 215 shows the activated idle mode screens. In step 410,the GIDS manager 210 asks if it is 75 minutes before a departure. To dothis the GIDS manager 210 looks at a list of departing flights publishedon the computer network 121. The GIDS manager 210 knows it is monitoringa flight at a specific gate (for example, gate 6), and asks if there areany flights departing from that gate. If the answer is “yes” and thereis a flight departing from that gate, the GIDS manager 210 asks if thatflight is departing within 75 minutes. The GIDS manager 210 iscontinually monitoring the computer system 121 for flight informationand comparing it to the GIDS manager's internal clock 230 to see if itis 75 minutes before the flight.

If the answer to step 410 is “no” and it is not 75 minutes before thedeparture, the process goes back to step 405 and the GIDS display 215shows the activated idle mode screen. If the answer to step 410 is “yes”and it is 75 minutes before a departure, the process moves to step 415,and the GIDS display 215 shows the activated departure mode screens in aprioritized order.

In step 425, the agent using the workstation 120 decides whether or notto enter boarding mode. If the answer to step 425 is “no”, and the agentdoes not want to enter boarding mode, the process skips back to step415, and the GIDS display 215 shows the activated departure mode screensin prioritized order. If the answer to step 425 is “yes”, and the agentdoes want to enter boarding mode, the process moves to step 430, and theGIDS display 215 shows the activated boarding mode screens in aprioritized order. When the flight departs in step 440, the GIDS 125exits from supporting that flight. The process returns to step 405 andis repeated.

As the process illustrated in FIG. 4 is run, the agent can, at any time,activate or inactivate certain screens. The agent does this by accessingthe relevant screen file 230 through the GIDS, and turning on or off theactivated flag.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of the GIDS display215 showing the activated idle mode screens in a prioritized order, asset forth in step 405 of FIG. 4. In step 515, the GIDS manager 210 takesall activated idle mode priority 1 screens and passes them to the GIDSdisplay 215. In step 530, the GIDS manager 210 asks if there is spacefor all activated idle mode screens of the next priority. If the answerto step 530 is “yes” and there is space for all idle mode screens of thenext priority, the process moves to step 535, and the GIDS manager 210takes all activated idle mode screens of the next priority and passesthem to the GIDS display 215. The process then moves back to step 530.If the answer to step 530 is “no” and there is not space for allactivated idle mode screens of the next priority, the process skips tostep 555, and the GIDS display 215 shows all activated idle mode screenssent by the GIDS manager 210. The process then moves to step 410 of FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of the GIDS display215 showing the activated departure mode screens in a prioritized order,as set forth in step 415 of FIG. 4. In step 615, the GIDS manager 210takes all activated departure mode priority 1 screens and passes them tothe GIDS display 215. In step 630, the GIDS manager 210 asks if there isspace for all activated departure mode screens of the next priority. Ifthe answer to step 630 is “yes” and there is space for all departuremode screens of the next priority, the process moves to step 635, andthe GIDS manager 210 takes all activated departure mode screens of thenext priority and passes them to the GIDS display 215. The process thenmoves back to step 630 and is repeated. If the answer to step 630 is“no” and there is not space for all activated departure mode screens ofthe next priority, the process skips to step 655, and the GIDS display215 shows all activated departure mode screens sent by the GIDS manager210. The process then moves to step 425 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of the GIDS display215 showing the activated boarding mode screens in a prioritized order,as set forth in step 430 of FIG. 4. In step 715, the GIDS manager 210takes all activated boarding mode priority 1 screens and passes them tothe GIDS display 215. In step 730, the GIDS manager 210 asks if there isspace for all activated boarding mode screens of the next priority. Ifthe answer to step 730 is “yes” and there is space for all boarding modescreens of the next priority, the process moves to step 735, and theGIDS manager 210 takes all activated boarding mode screens of the nextpriority and passes them to the GIDS display 215. The process then movesback to step 730 and is repeated. If the answer to step 730 is “no” andthere is not space for all activated boarding mode screens of the nextpriority, the process skips to step 755, and the GIDS display 215 showsall activated boarding mode screens sent by the GIDS manager 210. Theprocess then moves to step 440 of FIG. 4.

The Screen Displays

FIG. 8 is a screen display illustrating the standby list screen. Thereare two main windows in the screen 800. The window 805 on the left showsthe flight information that is shown on every screen when the mode isdeparture mode or boarding mode. The window 810 on the right shows thestandby list window. The title of the screen “Standby List” 801 isshown. The airline logo 802 is shown. The explanatory note 815 indicatesthat the list is ordered by priority. There is a column 820 for thepriority number of the passenger, and then there is a name column 825that indicates the passengers name. As shown in 830, the passenger whoselast name has the first three letters “CRE”, and whose first name beginswith an “M”, is the passenger listed 2nd on the standby list. Line 835shows the column names for seat summary, with first and coach. Line 840shows that the seats that are checked in first class are 24, and thosein coach are 131. The line 845 shows that the reserved seats in firstclass are 2, and those in coach are 21. The line 850 shows that theseats available in first class are 0, and the seats available in coachare 7.

FIG. 9 is a screen display illustrating the upgrade list screen. Thereare two main windows in the screen 900. The window 905 on the left showsthe flight information that is shown on every screen when the mode isdeparture mode or boarding mode. The window 910 on the right shows theupgrade list window. The title of the screen “Upgrade List” 901 isshown. The airline logo 902 is shown. The time 903 is also indicated.The explanatory note 915 indicates that the list is ordered by priority.There is a column 920 for the priority number of the passenger, and thenthere is a name column 925 that indicates the passengers name. As shownin 930, the passenger whose last name has the first three letters “COL”,and whose first name begins with an “S”, is the passenger listed 3rd onthe standby list. Line 935 shows the column names for seat summary, withfirst and coach. Line 940 shows that the seats that are checked in firstclass are 24, and those in coach are 131. The line 945 shows that thereserved seats in first class are 2, and those in coach are 21. The line950 shows that the seats available in first class are 0, and the seatsavailable in coach are 7.

FIG. 10 is a screen display for the cleared standby list. The title ofthe screen “Cleared Standbys” 1005 is provided. The explanation 1011 isalso shown. The airline logo 1006 is also indicated. In addition, thetime 1010 is also indicated. There is a name column 1015, and the firstname 1020 indicates that the person whose last name starts with “Tro”and whose first name starts with “B” has a seat available, and can goahead and board with the original boarding pass.

The present invention has been described in relation to particularembodiments which are intended in all respects to be illustrative ratherthan restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art to which the present invention pertains withoutdeparting from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims rather than theforegoing description.

1. A computer-implemented method for displaying passenger-specificboarding information to passengers preparing to board for a departurecomprising the steps of: transmitting the passenger-specific boardinginformation from a carrier data system to a processing system, whereinthe passenger-specific boarding information comprises one of passengerseating information, passenger standby status, passenger upgrade status,passenger connection information, and passenger-specific advertising;and displaying, without the processing system receiving identificationinformation from the passenger, the passenger-specific boardinginformation on an electronic display coupled to the processing system.2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thepassenger-specific advertising is selected based on information aboutthe passenger.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinthe electronic display is proximate to a departure gate.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the step ofprojecting an idle mode screen, comprising general flight information,on the electronic display prior to transmission of thepassenger-specific boarding information.
 5. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the passenger-specificboarding information comprises a transition from an idle mode screen toa departure mode screen in response to a first trigger event, thedeparture mode screen comprising one of passenger standby status,passenger upgrade status, passenger connection information, andpassenger-specific advertising.
 6. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 5, wherein the first trigger event is a designated time beforedeparture.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thestep of displaying the passenger-specific boarding information comprisesa transition from a departure mode screen to a boarding mode screen inresponse to a second trigger event, the boarding mode screen comprisingone of passenger seating information, passenger standby status,passenger upgrade status, passenger connection information, andpassenger-specific advertising.
 8. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 7, wherein the second trigger event is a designated time beforedeparture.
 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein adeparture mode screen and a boarding mode screen are displayed inassociation with the passenger-specific boarding information.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:clearing one of the passengers assigned a standby status to board;prompting the cleared passenger to board by displaying a prompt on theelectronic display; and upon attempting to board, confirming the clearedpassenger's identity by scanning a unique identifier for the passengerwith a scanning device coupled to the processing system.
 11. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:approving an upgrade of one of the passengers; prompting the upgradepassenger to board by displaying the upgrade approval on the electronicdisplay; and upon attempting to board, confirming the upgradepassenger's identity by scanning a unique identifier for the passengerwith a scanning device coupled to the processing system.
 12. Acomputer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions forperforming the steps recited in claim
 1. 13. A computer-implementedmethod for providing current air travel information to passengers,comprising the steps of: displaying a boarding screen on an electronicdisplay coupled to a processor; receiving passenger-specific boardinginformation from a carrier data system at the processor, wherein thepassenger-specific boarding information comprises one of passengerseating information, passenger standby status, passenger upgrade status,passenger connection information, and passenger-specific advertising;and displaying, without the processor receiving identificationinformation from the passenger, the passenger-specific boardinginformation for the passengers in association with the boarding screenshown on the electronic display.
 14. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 13, wherein the electronic display is proximate to a departuregate.
 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, furthercomprising the steps of: displaying an idle screen; and transitioningfrom displaying the idle screen to displaying the departure screen inresponse to a first trigger event.
 16. The computer implemented methodof claim 15, wherein the first trigger event is a designated time beforedeparture.
 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, furthercomprising the steps of: displaying a departure screen; andtransitioning from displaying the departure screen to displaying theboarding screen in response to a second trigger event.
 18. The computerimplemented method of claim 17, wherein the second trigger event is adesignated time before departure.
 19. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 13, wherein the passenger-specific advertising is selected basedon information about the passengers.
 20. The computer-implemented methodof claim 13, further comprising the steps of: clearing one of thepassengers assigned a standby status; prompting the cleared passenger toboard by displaying a prompt on the electronic display; and uponattempting to board, confirming the cleared passenger's identity byscanning a unique identifier for the passenger with a scanning devicecoupled to the processor.
 21. The computer-implemented method of claim13, further comprising the steps of: approving an upgrade of one of thepassengers; prompting the upgrade passenger to board by displaying theupgrade approval on the electronic display; and upon attempting toboard, confirming the upgrade passenger's identity by scanning a uniqueidentifier for the passenger with a scanning device coupled to theprocessor.
 22. A computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions for performing the steps recited in claim
 13. 23. Acomputer-implemented method for providing passenger seating informationto passengers preparing to board comprising the steps of: receiving theseating information for one of the passengers from a carrier data systemat a computing system; and in response to a signal indicating adesignated time prior to departure from a terminal, displaying, withoutthe computing system receiving identification information from thepassenger, the passenger's seating information on an electronic displaycoupled to the computing system, the passenger's seating informationcomprising a readily recognizable identifier for the passenger and acorresponding seat assignment.
 24. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 23, further comprising the steps of: upon attempting to board,reading the passenger's identity by scanning a unique identifier for thepassenger with a scanning device coupled to the computing system; andusing the passenger's identity to confirm that the passenger ispermitted to board.
 25. The computer-implemented method of claim 24,further comprising the step of displaying the passenger's seatinginformation at the scanning device.
 26. The computer-implemented methodof claim 24, further comprising the step of printing a copy of thepassenger's seating information for the passenger.
 27. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 23, further comprising the step ofdisplaying passenger upgrade information on the electronic display. 28.The computer-implemented method of claim 23, further comprising thesteps of: displaying the upgrade status for the passenger on theelectronic display; determining that the passenger's upgrade isapproved; displaying the passenger's upgraded seating information on theelectronic display; and upon attempting to board, confirming thepassenger's identity and upgraded seating information by scanning aunique identifier for the passenger with a scanning device coupled tothe computing system.
 29. A computer-readable medium havingcomputer-executable instructions for performing the steps recited inclaim
 23. 30. A computer-implemented method for displayingpassenger-specific standby information to passengers in a terminalcomprising the steps of: receiving the passenger-specific standbyinformation for one of the passengers from a carrier data system at acomputing device; and displaying, without the computing device receivingidentification information from the passenger, the passenger-specificstandby information on an electronic display coupled to the computingdevice.
 31. The computer-implemented method of claim 30, furthercomprising the steps of: determining that the standby passenger isapproved for boarding; based on the approval for boarding, displayingthe standby passenger's seating information on the electronic displaycoupled to the computing device; and upon attempting to board,confirming the standby passenger's identity by scanning a uniqueidentifier for the passenger with a scanning device coupled to thecomputing device.
 32. The computer-implemented method of claim 31,further comprising the step of displaying the standby passenger'sseating information at the scanning device.
 33. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 31, further comprising the step of printing a copy ofthe standby passenger's information at the scanning device.
 34. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 30, further comprising the step ofdisplaying standby availability information on the electronic display.35. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructionsfor performing the steps recited in claim
 30. 36. A system for providingpassenger-specific information to passengers in preparation for boardingcomprising: a remote computing system operable for receiving from acarrier data system passenger-specific information, wherein thepassenger-specific information comprises one of passenger seatinginformation, passenger standby status, passenger upgrade status,passenger connection information, and passenger-specific advertising;and an electronic display coupled to the remote computing system, theelectronic display operable for displaying passenger-specificinformation, without the remote computing system receivingidentification information from the passenger, in preparation forboarding.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the remote computingsystem and the electronic display are proximate to a departure gate. 38.The system of claim 36, wherein the remote computing system is coupledto a plurality of electronic displays.
 39. The system of claim 36,wherein the electronic display is further operable for rendering one ofan idle mode screen, a departure mode screen, and a boarding modescreen.
 40. The system of claim 36, wherein the electronic display isfurther operable for transitioning from an idle mode screen to adeparture mode screen in response to a first trigger event.
 41. Thesystem of claim 40, wherein the first trigger event is a designated timebefore departure.
 42. The system of claim 36, wherein the electronicdisplay is further operable for transitioning from a departure modescreen to a boarding mode screen in response to a second trigger event.43. The system of claim 42, wherein the second trigger event is adesignated time before departure.
 44. The system of claim 36, furthercomprising a scanning device coupled to the remote computing system, thescanning device operable for collecting identifying data from apassenger.